RI Workers' Compensation Court: Providence, RI      They say nothing in life is free.  However, if you have been injured or suffered a disfiguring scar at work in Rhode Island, most legal fees are paid by your employer's workers' compensation insurance carrier.   These fees are awarded separately and do not reduce the amount of workers' compensation benefits you receive. In most instances, you do not have to pay to have an experienced attorney represent  you in your workers' compensation case.        The only time an attorney is awarded legal fees that will be deducted from your workers' compensation benefits is if your case settles.  In that situation,  it is customary that an attorney will petition the Court to award a fee equal to 20% of the total settlement amount.        There are many tricks and traps in workers' compensation cases.  For example, even when you are receiving checks covering your lost time from work and think everything is being done correctly, many employers still do not accept legal responsibility for your injury.       If you should learn later that your injury is more serious than you first thought or you attempt to obtain other benefits you thought you were entitled to such as payment for a disfiguring scar or payment of outstanding medical bills, you may be denied benefits and have no legal rights because your workers' comp insurer failed to complete a simple form and forward it to the RI Department of Labor. This could cost you thousands of dollars in benefits that you would have otherwise received, or it could even result in you being sued by your medical providers for payment of your medical bills that should have been paid by your employer.      For a free, in-depth case evaluation with no cost or obligation, call today  at (401) 921-4905 or toll free at 1(877) 2 RICH-LAW for assistance with your workers' compensation claim. If you prefer, you can also submit your legal questions to us through our online consultation feature.   LAW OFFICES OF RICHARD M. SANDS 58 Toll Gate Road Warwick, RI 02886 (EZ on/off I-95) (401) 921-4905   It is important to note that this information is not legal advice and is provided for informational purposes only.